Coffee consumption is generally safe, and in fact very healthy, within usual levels of intake, except during pregnancy and in women at increased risk of fracture, a recent study found. This according to a review of meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies of coffee consumption and a range of health outcomes. The review identified 201 meta-analyses of observational research which looked at 67 unique health outcomes and 17 meta-analyses of interventional research with 9 unique outcomes. Researchers found:

Coffee consumption was more often associated with benefit than harm for a range of health outcomes across multiple exposures.

Coffee consumption led to a lower risk for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and total cancer, as well as a lower risk of specific cancers, including prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, and liver cancer.

Finally an enjoyable habit that is good for you! Robust data across multiple data sources, scores of studies, and literally dozens of meta-analyses shows drinking coffee is not only enjoyable and gives you energy, but is actually healthy for you. This association between coffee consumption and improved outcomes is apparent within the range, 1- 4 cups of coffee a day, that most people drink. The article itself is an interesting read for those who are interested, as it discusses some of the underlying pathophysiologic reasons that explain the positive effects seen with coffee, ranging from the antioxidants in coffee and how they might decrease heart disease to obscure chemicals in coffee that might explain its anti-carcinogenic effects. —Neil Skolnik, MD